Summary: Members of Congress are unlikely to adopt one measure that many victims say is essential: taking away from commanders the ability to decide whether to pursue assault cases. Members of Congress say that step would undermine order and discipline in the ranks, and the Pentagon agrees.

You can listen to the full 4min 15sec long segment HERE, on NPR’s website.

Around the 2:45 mark, a sound byte of my testimony from a hearing in DC last week was inserted into NPR Morning Edition’s segment.

Of all the fall-out I experienced, what I explain in the sound byte that NPR used is perhaps the most tangible of all examples.

As always, thank you to those of you who provide support, encouragement, and sound advice.  On a personal level, I’ve very much moved past – healthfully so – many of my previous traumas.  Retelling portions of my story to large, public audiences is difficult, though, to say the least.  I keep pressing forward, though, because I hear from people like YOU who say it is helpful. And you know what? You help ME, too.  So thank you.

And please, whatever struggles you may be facing, whether day-to-day stressors, or battling events from your past, please don’t give up.  Health and happiness really are possible.  Yes, the rape I experienced effectively “ruined” my career, but I had the choice of which path to will walk afterwards because as Marcel Proust said, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands but seeing with new eyes.” My path has never been “perfect,” but I do my best with where I am.

If I can ever help you in any way, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  All this “hippie dippie” yoga stuff, meditation, and “granola talk” is not just granola talk. Your breath, your movement, your happiness, and your light have the power to heal not only yourself, but to make space for the healing of those around you, as well.

I wish you all the best in your journey.

Namaste to your health & happiness!  😉